Finalists will also compete for a share of the $100,000 prize at the Global Finals.
Dubai: The Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA), the world’s leading competition for university and college students who run a business while studying, is now accepting applications for the 2026 UAE edition. Established in 1998 and run by the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), the program operates in 39 countries, offering student founders access to mentorship, global networks, and international exposure.
Participants receive guidance from experienced entrepreneurs, sharpen their pitching skills, and connect with a worldwide community of innovators. Finalists also compete for a share of the $100,000 prize at the Global Finals while gaining international recognition.
More than a competition, GSEA is regarded as a transformative growth experience, helping participants refine their pitching and storytelling while receiving direct feedback from successful entrepreneurs.
Through EO’s global network, student founders gain insights to accelerate their businesses and enhance their leadership capabilities. Finalists also enjoy international media exposure, including coverage through the docuseries Start It Up, which showcases the entrepreneurial journeys of participants.
The UAE application deadline for the 2026 Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) is 28 February 2026, with the UAE competition set for 28 March 2026. Regional quarter-finals will be held in Saudi Arabia on 7 May 2026, and the Global Finals are scheduled for July 2026. Applications can be submitted at www.gsea.org/apply by selecting Dubai, UAE, and for more information, applicants can email gsea@eodubai.com.
GSEA is open to undergraduate and graduate students aged 18 to 30 who are actively enrolled and own and operate a business that has been running for at least six months. Applicants must be the owners, founders, or controlling shareholders of their business. There are no participation fees, including travel costs to regional and global competitions.
The judging process evaluates both the entrepreneur and the business, with a primary focus on the individual. Judges assess qualities such as tenacity, resilience in overcoming challenges, and the ability to balance academic responsibilities with running a company. They also consider the entrepreneur’s motivation to create meaningful impact beyond financial gain.
